ARTICLES - EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

The Now Newspaper.com
Saturday Nov 29th, 2003

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
Helpful Hints to Organize and Clean Your Home

It is estimated that we waste at least one hour a day looking for things we need. That's about two weeks per year not being productive!

Get rid of the clutter in your home. Have a goal in mind and commit to it. Keep the things that you love and use. Donate or sell everything else that is just taking up your valuable space.

WHERE TO START
If you're frustrated because your kitchen is cluttered, start with your kitchen. Once you decide on the room or space, start with the most visible clutter first, then work on uncluttering the things that are out of sight.

ORGANIZE YOUR KITCHEN
The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house. Many people use the kitchen as their main dining area. Some of us use the kitchen as a bill-paying place, family meeting room, homework area or visiting space.

Store chips, cookies, pasta, dry beans and peas in clear plastic containers to keep them fresh and tidy. If you use your kitchen counter to do your paperwork, keep pens, calculators, envelopes, stamps and mailing labels in a closed portable container, This will keep everything together, plus you can put them out of site.

ORGANIZE YOUR BEDROOM
Ask everyone in the family to be responsible for their own room, bed, closets and drawers. Give each of your children a clothes hamper and garbage can. Tell them or write down on the calendar laundry and garbage days.

In order to really reorganize your bedroom closet, the best thing to do is empty it out completely. You have to decide what to keep and what to give away. If you haven't worn some of your clothes in a year, chances are you never will.

ORGANIZE YOUR LIVING ROOM
Buy wicker baskets to store videos, remote controls, kids toys, etc. They are very attractive and will blend in with your décor. If you have young children, their toys will be all over the place. Keep a basket in the family room for collecting stray toys.

ORGANIZE YOUR BATHROOM
Lack of space in your bathroom? Think vertical! Install shelves on the bathroom walls to store towels, hair products, lotions and magazines. Put wire baskets in the bathroom to store combs, brushes and curlers. Consider clear, stackable caddies to store all your bathroom products.

Mix one cup baking soda with one teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent. Add a little bit of water to make a paste. Scour the tub, walls and doors of the shower. Rinse well.

HOW TO STAY ORGANIZED
Choose one day a month to see what needs to improve. Write it on your calendar. Talk to your family about their commitment. Ask your children for one hour of their time. Every night take a few minutes to tidy up. You'll be ready and relaxed to start the next day.